For years, my New Year’s Eve has been a montage of brightly lit cityscapes abroad, muted celebrations, and a poignant phone call to India as the clock struck midnight there. While I’ve loved the life I’ve built, a part of me always missed the vibrant, joyous chaos of an Indian New Year – especially the unique energy of Kolkata, my hometown.
This year, however, I decided to do something different. I decided to bring the glamour of a Kolkata New Year to my family, without actually being there myself. And the secret ingredient? India Wapsi.
The Idea: A Surprise Soiree in the City of Joy
My parents, bless their hearts, are not ones for grand gestures. Their idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve is a quiet dinner at home, maybe watching a Bengali movie. But after years of them selflessly supporting my journey abroad, I wanted to give them something truly special, something they wouldn’t even dream of arranging for themselves.
The idea was simple: a surprise New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration for my parents and our closest relatives at a posh hotel in Kolkata. The challenge? Coordinating everything from a different time zone, ensuring it was a genuine surprise, and handling all the intricate details of an Indian family gathering.
Enter India Wapsi: My Virtual Event Planner
I stumbled upon India Wapsi while looking for services that could help NRIs with tasks back home. Their premise of bridging the gap for those of us living abroad immediately resonated. After a quick consultation, I knew I had found my partners in crime.
Their team became my eyes and ears on the ground in Kolkata. From understanding my vision to suggesting the perfect hotel with a view of the city’s festive lights, they handled it all.
- Venue Selection: India Wapsi provided me with curated options of hotels in Kolkata known for their New Year’s celebrations, complete with menus and ambiance descriptions. We settled on a beautiful spot in Park Street, famous for its festive buzz.
- Guest Coordination: This was crucial for the “surprise” element. They subtly reached out to my aunts, uncles, and cousins, framing it as a casual family get-together, ensuring everyone was free without giving away the main event.
- Personal Touches: I wanted a specific type of Bengali sweet for dessert, and my mother’s favorite flowers on the table. India Wapsi not only sourced these but also arranged for a personalized cake that said “Happy New Year from Afar.”
- Logistics & Payments: The biggest relief was knowing that all the bookings, payments, and confirmations were handled seamlessly by their team, transparently communicating every step with me.
The Midnight Reveal: A Joyful Video Call
As the New Year approached in Kolkata, I was glued to my phone, thousands of miles away. India Wapsi had arranged for one of my cousins to discreetly video call me as the family arrived at the hotel.
Seeing my parents’ faces light up with surprise and then sheer joy was worth every penny, every late-night planning call. My mother, in a beautiful new saree, kept asking, “How did you manage all this?” My father, usually stoic, had a wide, happy grin as he looked around the beautifully decorated banquet hall.
I saw them laughing, dancing (yes, even my father attempted a step or two!), and celebrating with our family, all thanks to the meticulous planning by India Wapsi. It felt as if I was right there with them, sharing in the warmth and festivity.
A New Way to Connect
This New Year wasn’t just a celebration; it was a revelation. It showed me that even when oceans separate us, we can still create meaningful, memorable experiences for our loved ones back home. India Wapsi didn’t just plan a party; they helped me send a piece of my heart across continents, creating a new, cherished family memory.
To my family in Kolkata, Happy New Year! And to India Wapsi, thank you for making it possible. Here’s to many more years of celebrating together, even when we’re apart.
To arrange parties or events for your family back home, please email contact@indiawapsi.com
